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As our society grows ever more
connected to our devices, technology, and online social networks, are we
becoming more disconnected with “real life”?
In an eye-opening TEDTalk, Sherry Turkle, a professor at MIT and author of Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and
Less from Each Other, discusses how our devices and online personas are redefining human
connection and communication - potentially in a way we really don’t want.
"From social networks to sociable robots, we're designing technologies
that will give us the illusion of companionship without the demands of friendship,"
she says. As a result, "we slip into thinking that always being connected
is going to make us feel less alone," but "actually it's the opposite
that's true."
How often do find yourself presumably in a conversation
with someone, while also texting or reading emails or checking Facebook? Do you
find yourself spending more time on social networks than at “real life” social
events? Are you looking at screens more than you’re looking at people or nature
or the world?
Join us this month for our
newest Holistic Living Challenge: Get Connected!
Take the challenge and share
your experience for a chance to win great prizes from holistic companies that
will further support you on your holistic living journey!
Here are the details:
Challenge: Get
Connected!
Directions: Connect to your children. Connect with your friends.
Connect to nature. Connect to community. Connect with real life!
Here are some ideas and resources:
●
Make your dinner table a device-free zone. If you’re eating together,
you should be focusing on your food and one another.
●
Make a commitment to stop having distracted conversations. If you’re
talking to someone - your mate, your child, anyone - they deserve the respect
of your full attention. (If it’s a household problem, make everyone commit. Create
a “Get Connected” jar and any time someone breaks the rule, they have to put a
quarter in. At the end of the month, use the money for an activity that
promotes family togetherness.)
●
Plan a “date” for each week of the month. One could be time with your kids.
Another could be a night out with friends. And, maybe one could be volunteering
at a local soup kitchen. Whatever you choose, make sure you do something that
fosters conversation. (Going to a movie, doesn’t really cut it.)
Share your experience for a
chance to win great prizes! Enter for a
chance to win!
